With lid locked, heated water (205F) stopped draining after 2:12 with half the water still left in reservoir. Removing the lid started the water flowing freely. There was a definite vacuum in the reservoir creating resistance to removing the lid. This makes me believe that (at least my) emptying problems are caused by a vapor lock as TahoeJoe has observed in an earlier post. "Re: Now we know what GORT is (Behmor BraZen Brewer)"

I haven't had incomplete emptying since I have been keeping the lid loose. When locked, bubbles will escape the lid as it approaches set temperature. Not sure if this indicates a defective lid or not. It's just easier for the time being to keep the lid loose or maybe drill a small breather hole, rather than hassling Behmor. (I sure would like a better carafe, though). ;)

I looked at the images - that is astounding. Since there is a percentage of this happening to some machines and not all, maybe a database of model numbers of problem machine might help weed out a production string that were made with these bad valves.

My brother worked for a company that had some expensive goods made in China. The manufacturers will cut every last $0.005 everywhere they can. Evidently the manufacturer of the valves did that with the rubber seal (and I wonder if that coincides with the horrific smell some were getting from their brewers and some who did not)? Also, I wonder if the problem begins right away or if it takes a number of pots to be brewed (and if so, how many)?

Do you have disassembly images, or can you outline the procedure? I would like to examine my valve as I do not want to use the brewer if this is happening to mine.

I really should have taken dis-assembly pictures, but didn't :\ It was a big pain to take apart, with a non-obvious order of what to take off when, and lots of hard to get to screws.

The first step in dis-assembly is popping off the covers on the back 'leg' of the brazen. From there I just unscrewed all the screws I could find and popped off all the connectors that popped off.

The main water reservoir, valve assembly, and spray head are basically one part when assembled, and that is lowered into the main body of the coffee maker. The wires for the valve, the heater, and the temperature sensor all feed out to a board on the back strut of the brazen and are then soldered in place. What this means is that during dis-assembly, you cannot lift the bits out because they are trapped in place by the wires. Your options are - desolder the wires, cut the wires, or cut a small part of the plastic so you can fit the wires and the board through into the body and then pull it out the top. I cut the plastic to free the wires. If you pop off the back leg panel you can see the board and see what I mean. Once you have the stuff pulled out its straightforward to get the solenoid valve out of the housing on the bottom of the reservoir.

If you want to keep using your Brazen, I would say don't take it apart. Due to the difficulty in taking it apart I'm not 100% confident I could reassemble it to working order even if I could get a replacement for the rubber part.

I was afraid of that. I did get mine to the point when I first received it of taking the back cover off the strut to replace a screw, but that was as far as I got. Unsoldering wires is not a problem, but as you stated, it's not worth the effort if the machine is working correctly.

I recently have had the same problem with my valve locking up and buzzing. I disassembled my machine out of curiosity down to the valve, cleaned it out, but never noticed the rubber thing. I'll have to go back and look for it. I fully reassembled it as well and it still buzzes, so I don't think it's the valve itself.

If I get some time I'll disassemble again and take a look at that rubber piece.

I've currently fallen back to my Technivorm. Have to say I was mildly disappointed that the Brazen didn't really even make it a year. The TV has been a rock for sure. I have not yet contacted Behmor about this.

The Brazen has 2 MAJOR drawbacks: a.) it does NOT make great cup of coffee (and don't we live for a good cup!?) and b.) the annoyances on this machine are so many, it is nigh unbelievable. For a machine that has so many bells and whistles, this beastie was just poorly thought out (not to mention being poorly constructed - China - go figure).

First off, I believe I'm qualified to know a good cup of coffee...no a GREAT cup of coffee when I drink one. The BraZen makes as good, and at times better cup of coffee than my Hario, Chemex, or any other dripper machine I've owned, including a Technivorm. If you actually read this thread (or OWNED this machine which I doubt) you'd know I speak truthfully.2nd, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Probably half the appliances, toys (if you have kids) and other household items are made in China.Though I freely admit to a predilection for buying American made ANYTHING when I can, being made in China is usually not a cause for concern.Yes, these issues appear to quite possibly be due to some faulty parts manufacture, but to accuse Behmor of not "playing with the big boys?"

Obviously, you are NOT one of hundreds, maybe thousands who have had faithful service with their Behmor 1600 roasters. I have over 400 roasts on mine, and it's as good as it was new.

2 posts and you're ready to condemn a manufacturer?Technicality, your post is in violation of CG rules, but WHO AM I TO SAY?

Add me to the list of faithful owners that have a unit that is short potting. I use softened water from my Alex Duetto and I also tried to run two treatments with Durgol and the problem is getting worse.

I am a good customer of Behmor ( also have a 1600 roaster) and I am a bit annoyed that they have not replied to my two emails over the past three weeks.

Has anyone heard from Joe recently? I would expect at least a short reply....something.....

Seems that this is a resolvable issue if it is only a part malfunction.....let's hope it is, because despite this setback it really is a revolutionary product.

I am a good customer of Behmor ( also have a 1600 roaster) and I am a bit annoyed that they have not replied to my two emails over the past three weeks.Has anyone heard from Joe recently? I would expect at least a short reply....something.....

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